Nipple-sparing mastectomy/Skin-sparing mastectomy

A nipple-sparing mastectomy is an option for some patients, depending on tumor size, location, patient's natural breast anatomy and type of breast cancer. This may be an option for patients with small breasts that may have small tumors away from the nipple, pre-invasive cancers or no cancer, but wanting a prophylactic mastectomy. This is a question for both your breast surgeon and plastic surgeon. Some women feel strongly about keeping the nipple and areola intact when they have their mastectomy. Not everyone is a candidate for this type of mastectomy. Your surgeons will exam your breasts, and together with your breast cancer diagnosis, decide if you are a candidate. Often times the remaining nipple-areolar complex heals well, but patients do run the risk of losing the nipple during their recovery due to blood supply issues. Also, keeping the nipple areolar complex means you still have breast tissue on the nipple that may need surveillance or follow up. Your plastic surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of this type of surgery with you, if you are a candidate. Keep in mind that your plastic surgeon can surgically create new nipples and areolas if necessary.

A skin-sparing mastectomy preserves the skin of the breast, but not the nipple or areola. The breast tissue is removed, but the vast majority of the skin remains after your surgery. This surgery is best suited for a smaller breasted woman. Again, your plastic surgeon and breast surgeon will determine what type of mastectomy surgery is appropriate for your specific condition.